My PawPaw
This was written by my beloved PawPaw, a year before he passed away. It was just part of an article about him that was published in a book of memories from old-timers in southern West Virginia. He wasn't the most eloquent writer, but he was quite the comedian and I can almost hear him telling this story. I am so proud to be the granddaughter of this fine man, and on this Veteran's Day, I'm grateful for his service to our country.
In 1943, I turned eighteen and Uncle Sam sent me a greeting. I was examined November 10th and left for the Army on December 1st. After basic training at Fort Sill, I was sent to an artillery outfit in Texas and a about a year later, I was abroad a ship headed for Europe. I went into combat in the Battle of the Bulge and crossed the Rhine River on March 13th in support of Patton's Ninth Armored. After the war ended, we were sent to Berlin as Military Police. This was a turning point in my life, for I got to know and love the German people. Also, I got firsthand knowledge of what good-for-nothing leadership can do. Jefferson was right when he said "Power corrupts and total power totally corrupts."
While in Berlin, I got to know my wife. She was not in Berlin; she was going to college with a friend who corresponded with me. In the letter, my friend wrote, "If you were home, I know a nice girl you could date." Quickly I wrote back and asked her to give my address to the girl and to write and enclose a picture. She did, and I still carry that picture in my wallet today. I came home in April and we were married in August of 1946. We started out from scratch and we are still scratching! I tell people, "She left a couple of times, but I went with her!"
My grandparents fell in love before they ever met in person and were married almost 64 years. They loved each other unconditionally and yes, he really did carry that picture of her in his wallet all those years.
Quietude
Nearly every time I go Home, I can be found wandering its curvy paths - in search of Quietude.
And, every single time -- I find it.
See you in two weeks, my friend.
Just let things Be.
Worrying seems easy.
Patience is hard.
Just let things Be.
You'll get Yours. I promise.
Fall
You're Golden and Bright.
You're Beautiful.
You're not afraid to fall.
And That means something.
You'll see.
Chasing Dreams
If I could Dream for a living, I'd have It made.
Day or Night, Dreaming permits me to do Whatever, go Wherever, and say Whatever I want.... no matter how crazy or insane it might seem to everyone else.
What's so wrong with dreaming as big as you can? Or, with mustering up the courage to show someone your dreams?
Do yourself a favor. When it feels like everything is slipping through the cracks, or even when it doesn't, find your Place, lay your head down, and chase your Dreams. Things
I was reminded today how precious Life is
and how unimportant Things are.
and how unimportant Things are.
Tonight I am grateful.
My brother's life was spared today.
I cannot wait to go Home and hug him tight.
**********************
Stop letting Things get in the way.
Mean what you say.
Love who you love unconditionally;
and don't ever give up on Faith.
Mere Words
No matter how hard I try
to find words that'll do;
Somehow I cannot capture
All the things that make you You
One Day......
......you'll find Love, you'll find Peace, and the You you're meant to be.
Still Standing
I never imagined you'd have to leave so early.
Not a day goes by that I don't think about You.
I wonder if you can see Me? Or, if you can hear Me?
You raised me to be strong and to stand;
even if it meant sometimes standing alone.
Everyone says I'm just like You.
Your life impacted so many.
I hope They will say the same about Me when I'm gone.
I'm so proud to be your daughter.
I miss you.
But, I'm doing just fine ~
I'm still standing.
Shoot for the Moon
Have you ever met someone who makes you want to be a better You? This Someone enters your life, usually uninvited, and makes an impression that you nor anyone else can erase. You feel things you've never felt, or haven't felt in a very long time.
And, whether they stay or go, you are changed.
And, whether they stay or go, you are changed.
I have been changed this year.
Because of Someone, I want to be a better Me, even if that's as far as it goes.
Because of Someone, I want to be a better Me, even if that's as far as it goes.
But why not shoot for the Moon...
